ationwide Initiatives & Updates
Bill of Rights Day: Nationwide Actions Mobilizing Against the NDAA
Thursday, December 15, Occupy sites across the country celebrated the 220th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights. Bill of Rights Day actions and press conferences were coordinated in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis, San Francisco and other areas of the country to stand against the National Defense Authorization Amendment. Forbes Magazine calls the NDAA "the greatest threat to civil liberties Americans face.” Several national coalitions -- including the Muslim Peace Coalition, United National Antiwar Coalition, Bill of Rights Defense Committee, the Center for Constitutional Rights, Committee to Stop FBI Repression and others co-promoted this call to action. In New York, representatives from civil liberties, religious, social justice, and peace organizations will came together to voice opposition to the National Defense Authorization Act and other recent attacks on our civil liberties. For information on actions around the country, go to: http://bordc.org/.
Call to Action: Pressure Congress to Say NO to Internet Censorship Bill!!!
Today the House version of the Internet Censorship Act is being marked up in the House Judiciary Committee.
The pressure we've put on Congress to say NO to Internet censorship is working. The House is now considering lots of amendments to improve the legislation. Thanks to our efforts and the work of a broad coalition of organizations, the Senate now won't consider its version until next year. Rep. John Conyers, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, needs to vote NO on this legislation. He was an early supporter of the bill, and continues to back it. But, the more calls he receives today from the progressive community, the more likely we will be to change his position. Call Rep. Conyers today and tell him to reject Internet censorship: (202) 225-5126
International Migrants Day: December 18th
Sunday, December 18th – Occupy sites and allies will hold actions to celebrate International Migrants Day and protest the exploitation of migrant workers by the 1%.
*********************************************************************************************
Occupy Albany
Keep the Park!
Friday, December 16, 2011 – Occupy Albany’s park permit ends next Thursday, and the group is strategizing how to keep the park.” The state legislature comes back into session at the beginning of next month. Let’s show Cuomo and other legislators that their back room deals and crooked politics are not acceptable. By holding the park across the street from that house of government, we empower citizens everywhere to join their voices with ours and create justice.”
Occupy Atlanta
Canvassing in Riverdale
Wednesday, December 14, 2011 – One week ago Occupy Atlanta set up an encampment on the lawn of decorated Iraq war veteran Brigitte Walker with the simple goal of saving her home from eviction at the hands of Chase bank. As we continue to build community support for her cause it’s become painfully clear that her subdivision is riddled with the same problems facing millions of Americans; economic crisis. The South Hills subdivision, like many Atlanta area subdivisions, is full of foreclosed homes. There are at least a dozen totally abandoned homes which are not only eye sores but crime magnets. Home break- ins are on a historic rise, children have nothing to do after school and on the weekends, and the community is fed up with paying dues to their HOA for no apparent reason. The subdivision was supposed to have a community center, a pool, and a basketball court, but when the economic crash hit South Hills these projects were halted. Occupy Atlanta is working with the neighborhood to build a stronger community. Another world is possible, and in Riverdale we are finding that in order for that world to exist, we must create it. Check out the video here:
Occupy Baltimore
Cities Evicting Occupy Camps
December 16, 2011 [UPI] - Communities across the United States have ongoing efforts to evict Occupy protest encampments, officials say. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said Tuesday her city had been "respectful" in its handling of the Occupy Baltimore camp in a city square, The Baltimore Sun reported. Police woke about 40 people before the sun rose and told them to leave, offering rides to a homeless shelter. Tents and other belongings were moved to a sanitation yard where protesters have until next week to retrieve them.
One protester said it was time to move on. "You don't need to be at McKeldin Square," Cullen Nawalkowsky told the Sun. "You don't keep hammering on a tactic when a tactic is producing diminishing returns. The physical occupation is just one part of the broader movement." Read more: http://bit.ly/u7fhXo.
Occupy Boston
Tuesday, December 13 - Boston prosecutors offered about 20 protesters a deal Tuesday: Dropping resisting arrest charges in exchange for guilty pleas to trespassing with a penalty of a year's probation, The Boston Globe said. Most took the deal, which usually included an order to stay away from Dewey Square. Read more: http://bit.ly/u7fhXo.
Occupy Burlington
December 17th Occupy Solidarity Candle Lit March
Saturday, December 17, 2011 –Occupy Burlington is holding a solidarity march in remembrance of Mohamed Bouazizi, 3 months of occupations and all those who have suffered at the hands 1%. “December 17th marks a year since our brother Mohamed Bouazizi lit himself on fire in Tunisia. His act began the Arab Spring where ordinary people like ourselves began to stand up for democracy and justice. Nine months later on September 17th in New York City,the Occupy Movement began. In remembrance of Mohamed Bouazizi and in celebration of three months of occupation, OccupyVermont-Burlington non violence working group is holding a candlelit march and vigil to remember all those who have suffered under a system that only supports the interests of the 1% at the detriment of the 99%. We would like to invite other occupations to ‘Take Back the Light’. Hold a candlelit march and vigil in line with the principles of non-violence after dark on December 17th. Join us in memory of all who have suffered and begin to create a world of peace and hope.
Occupy Chicago
Occupy Chicago Addresses Concerns Over Moving Indoors
Saturday, December 17, 7:00am – This Saturday, Occupy Chicago will hold a G.A. discussion over preparing to move indoors. “The celebration that started the week has given way to conversations shaped by both fresh ideas and fresh concerns. This Saturday, December 17th, is the time to bring these ideas and concerns to the table and discuss them as a movement at the 7:00PM General Assembly.”
Occupy Cleveland
Bill of Rights Day Action: Help the Cart Family
There is a moratorium on evictions beginning in four days. Please help the Cart family in Orwell, OH keep their home by calling Andrew Wilson at 202-752-5168. ANOTHER WAY TO HELP, compose a letter asking Judge Ronald Vettel to suspend any eviction action until Monday, which will put it within the holiday eviction moratorium buying us time until after the new year. Please FAX your letter to the contact info below. If you don’t have a fax machine, you can use the free web to fax service, http://faxzero.com/. Also, email your letter to his bailiff (see below). Remember, be respectful but firm. You can fax your letter to 440-576-3677 and/or (440) 576-2819:
Judge Ronald Vettel
Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas
25 West Jefferson Street
Jefferson, OH 44047
Also send an email to:
Bailiff Sharon Huey
sshuey@ashtabulacounty.us
Occupy Columbia
Occupy Columbia wins in court
Wednesday, December 14 - U.S. Judge Cameron McGowan Currie granted an injunction that protects Occupy Columbia’s first amendment rights, including a 24-hour occupation of the State House grounds. “We will have more to say on this when the written decision becomes available in the coming days.”
Occupy DC
Hunger Striker Arrested at US Capitol
Friday, December 16 [McPherson Media] - Hunger striker Adrian Parsons, now 200 hours into a hunger strike to help D.C. get votes in Congress, has been arrested on Friday afternoon blocking Independence Ave. in his wheelchair.
Parsons was arrested with three others, James Jones of D.C Vote, Senate Candidate Pete Ross and Occupy D.C. protester Rob Wohl. Before the arrests a crowd of about 50 protesters fromPlanned Parenthood, D.C Vote, AFL-CIO and Free D.C. had gathered outside the Longworth House Office Building. They were protesting the District’s lack of voting rights in Congress as well as Congress’ attempts to place a rider on the D.C. budget that would not allow funds to be used for abortion, according to Sam Jewler a hunger-striker that was at the protest. Shortly after the protest in front of Longworth, Parsons, Jones, Ross and Wohl entered Independence Ave. and began to block traffic, according to Jewler. Jewler said they were quickly given three warnings by police and then arrested.
Occupy Denver
Solidarity March with International Migrants Day
Saturday Dec. 17, 2011 Occupy Denver will be holding a rally and march in solidarity with immigrants across the country in celebration of National Immigrants Day. For generations, immigrants have been marginalized in our society, from the Irish and Italians in the 19th century to Central and South Americans in the 21st century. In an era where the world is interconnected, and globalization is a reality, it’s time to come together and stand in solidarity with each other no matter where we, or our parents, came from. Greedy bankers and the opportunistic 1% have preyed on immigrant communities for generations through racist predatory lending practices, marginalizing socioeconomic policies and many other atrocities ranging from corporate owned detention centers and seasonal visas to so called “free trade” agreements. Change is in the air. The time for action is now.
Occupy Eerie
Still Going Strong
[FDL Action] Union made OccupySupply jackets keeping Keith Reide & many of the other occupiers in this Erie Times-News video report warm. [ http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2011/12/15/occupy-erie-still-going-stro...
Occupy Eugene
Council Votes to Close Occupy Eugene Camp in 4 Weeks
The Eugene City Council voted 5-3 Wednesday, December 14, to allow the homeless camp to stay at Washington Jefferson Park until Jan. 11. Council members were split down the middle by the question of how to pay for police and transition services. The camp issue was so divided that Mayor Kitty Piercy had to break several ties.
Council members were voting on an eight-part plan from Council President Alan Zelenka. They debated both on what to do with the camp and the many homeless people in it. "For us to capitulate this way is both reckless and irresponsible," Councilman Mike Clark said. "It's reckless because we are putting more people in danger."
"I see this plan here as a very calm, reasoned, sensible approach," Councilman George Brown said. Officials eventually settled on extending the camping exemption for Occupy Eugene out to Jan. 11. Councilmen Mike Clark, George Poling and Pat Farr voted no.
Occupy Houston
International Migrants Day March
Sunday, December 18 - Join Occupy Houston on International Migrants Day, and stand in solidarity with our
brothers and sisters in the international struggle for equality. -Meet @ 2 pm, Chimney Rock and Bellaire. “We will be protesting against racial profiling, detention and deportation of immigrants, and the prison industrial complex.
Join the international struggle for justice!!”
Occupy Houston Rejects the NDAA
Thursday, December 15, 2011 – Thursday marked the 220th anniversary of the signing of the Bill of Rights. In solidarity with Occupations around the country, Occupy Houston joined the Houston Free Thinkers and other civil rights activists as part of a week-long series of national actions protesting S. 1867, the National Defense Authorization Act. The group marched from Tranquility Park to the offices of Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Senator John Cornyn. Occupy Houston demands that President Obama veto S.B. 1867. “We demand that the United States cease funding undeclared wars immediately. We further demand that our president, our legislators and our justices take no future action that conflates the duties of the civil police with those of the military or other law enforcement agencies, authorizes torture, allows the detention of prisoners without informing them of their rights or providing them with counsel and access to witnesses, or that in any way denies anyone access to the swift, accurate, humane and fair justice that is our right not as U.S. citizens but as members of the worldwide human community.”
Occupy Iowa City
Occupy Iowa City Mic Checks Newt Gingrich
Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - In a forerunner of what some Republicans expected to be a recurring event over the next 20 days, about a dozen protesters from the Occupy Iowa City mic-checked Newt Gingrich at the start of a campaign appearance at the University of Iowa on Wednesday. The group, continued as several members were escorted from the room by plain-clothed security officers. There were no arrests. Watch video:
Occupy Kansas City
Economic Crime Scene Investigation
Thursday, December 15 - The Occupy KC People's Investigation, Search and Seizure of Economic Destroyers Unit (P.I.S.S.E.D) were deployed to Bank of America in downtown KC on 12.15.2011 to set up an Economic Crime Scene. As the the nation's largest bank, BOA has engaged in a wide array of economically criminal deeds that kick the feet out from under the 99%, drive smaller banks and credit unions out of business, destroy the housing market and allow the now-family-less homes they have seized to deteriorate. Watch video: http://www.occupykc.net/updates/videos/13445286.
Occupy Long Beach
Banking System Discussion
Friday, December 16, 12pm – 1pm – The OLB Actions Committee will hold a weekly discussion on the banking system in front of Wells Fargo on Ocean Blvd and Pacific at noon on Fridays. 111 W Ocean Blvd Ste 100 Long Beach, CA 90802
Think Big, Buy Small #3 - Live on Broadway
Saturday, December 17, 10:30am – 2:00pm – Occupy Long Beach will meet at the southwest corner of Newport and Broadway to discuss the joys and challenges of being a small business owner with owners of locally independent shops. Come out and meet these great local businesses who support Occupy Long Beach!
Occupy Los Angeles
Hollywood Gets Occupied in Opposition to the NDAA
Last Saturday, a contingent of Occupy LA posted up at the busy tourist intersection of Hollywood & Highland to inform passersby of what may be the most significant eradication of an individual's constitutional rights in my lifetime. Watch the video:
Occupy Memphis
The Three-Headed March
Saturday, December 17 – Occupy Memphis is organizing a three-headed march this Saturday to mark the one year anniversary since Mohamed Bouazizi lit himself on fire in Tunisia - starting the Arab Spring. It also marks the three month anniversary since Occupy Wall Street began in New York City. The group calls for a major convergence on December 17 in order to draw attention to and protest against financial fraudulence. The three marches will begin at noon: Occupy for Memphis, Occupy the Banks and Occupy the Streets, to protest for affordable housing and homelessness services. The three rallies will occur simultaneously: Occupy the Banks and Occupy the Streets will meet Occupy for Memphis at Forrest Park at 1 p.m. The convergence of all three actions will lead to a march from Forrest Park to Civic Center Plaza, where Occupy Memphis has been camped out in protest for 60 days. The day of action will end with a special General Assembly at 2 p.m.
Occupy Minneapolis
Occupy Minneapolis interrupts Hennepin County Board meeting, demands end to attacks on People’s Plaza
Tuesday, December 13, 2011[Fight Back News] - About a dozen people from Occupy MN/Minneapolis interrupted a Hennepin County Commissioners Board meeting Dec. 13, demanding an end to county attacks on the Occupy movement and the People's Plaza. The action began with a practice round of mic check on the Plaza outside and then occupiers each grabbed a sign and headed up to the 24th floor meeting room. The public meeting is held inside a large glass-walled room, where about 100 people sit in the room, and dozens more mill around outside, watching the proceedings on TV screens. Some signs were held against the glass, while several more went inside, with slogans reading, "Shelter is a human right,” “The first amendment is 24/7," and "The 99% will not be silenced."
Occupy Oakland
Officer Who Fired Beanbag at Occupy Oakland, Reassigned
(CBS/AP) — The police captain who approved using beanbag projectiles against Occupy Oakland protesters and the SWAT officer who fired a beanbag round at a demonstrator have been reassigned during an investigation into the tactics. Oakland police Capt. Ersie Joyner III said he could be fired or demoted because of the Nov. 3 beanbag incident. Joyner has been transferred to the Office of the Inspector General while the investigation continued.
Report-Back from OO on Monday’s Port Blockade
This week - Occupy Oakland protesters are trying to decide their next step after a successful blockade and shutdown at the port on Monday, the second in a few weeks. Read a report-back accounting one protester’s experience at the port blockade this past Monday: http://www.progressive.org/occupy_takes_over_ports_oakland.html
Occupy Olympia
December 16, 2011 - At 9:41 am Friday, Olympia Police Department in full riot gear surrounded the Occupy Olympia encampment and the New Rachael Corrie Community Center. There are reports that the police may have also possibly fenced off the park and have closed off roads leading to the park. Get more updates of this action as it happens at: http://occupyolympia.org/update-impending-eviction-at-heritage-park/
Occupy Santa Cruz
Re-Occupy Santa Cruz
Saturday, December 17 [Member report] – “Our camps have been repressed, but assemblies continue daily (6pm weekdays, 2pm weekends) and the occupation spirit remains strong in Santa Cruz! Join artists, musicians, and local community members for an all day performance event in support of Occupy Wall Street and the occupation of space and reclaiming of the commons. On the 3 month anniversary of the birth of this movement, we will gather to celebrate OWS and to occupy space together. For those who can support, any donations of these supplies will greatly help our re-occupation efforts, as well as provide comfort to those most in need through these harsh winter months: sign making materials, lights, power generator, speakers, trash cans, food, utensils, tents, sleeping bags, and domes.”
Occupy Seattle
Defend the Bill of rights protest!
Thursday, December 15 - Citizens are took to the streets to protest the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 and the Internet Censorship Bill, also known as SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act). These treasonous and unconstitutional acts violate the sovereign and inalienable rights that belong to ALL people. Members of various community organizing groups will participate in the march and demonstration which will be between 5pm-8pm beginning at Westlake Park and ending at the Federal Building in Downtown Seattle. This will be a peaceful, non-violent demonstration to celebrate Bill of Rights Day, which is December 15th, and to declare our disapproval for the anti-constitutional actions taken by our government against the people it is sworn to serve, protect, and represent.
Occupy Wall St.
Mumia Abu Jamal’s Message to OWS
Thursday, December 15, 2011 – “My message will have to be brief. But let not this brevity take from it, its strength.
You are the central movement of the hour. You're raising questions that are in the hearts of millions. Your motto, "We are the 99%," has been heard, heeded, and responded to by millions. You can be certain that the 1% have heard you clearest of all. Your work, however, is just beginning. You must deepen, strengthen, and further your work until it truly reaches the 99%, almost all of us: workers, black folk, Latinos and Latinas, LGBTs, immigrants, Asians, artists, all of us, for we are integral parts of the 99%. I salute you and hope fervently that you will grow beyond number.
Though I speak to you today by proxy, I'm confident that you will hear my voice soon. Love, fun and music, Mumia Abu-Jamal”
An all day performance event at Duarte Square, 6th and Canal
Saturday, December 17— With support from more than 1400 faith leaders, elders of the civil rights movement, prominent artists and community members, Occupy Wall St. will gather at noon in Duarte Square, downtown Manhattan, for an all day performance event. This event is part of a call to re-occupy in the wake of the coordinated attacks and subsequent evictions of occupations across the nation and around the world.
International Migrants Day March
Sunday, December 18th - 1:30pm until 5:00pm, Foley Square -Immigrants are part of the 99% and on December 18th we will march with the Occupy Wall Street movement to demand immigrant justice including putting an end to wage theft, and stopping detentions and deportations of our beloved community members. As the Occupy Wall Street movement highlights corporate profiteering we would like to shed light on those that profit off our labor, exploit workers and refuse to pay dignified wages. We also march against the corporations who support anti-immigrant legislation so they can make billions of dollars by detaining immigrants in private detention centers and deporting nearly 400,000 people per year. As the occupy movement goes global we also recognize the destructive role that these corporations play in exploiting resources and labor in our home countries which forces millions to migrate. December 18th is the International Day of Migrants and we stand in solidarity with those world wide who are proclaiming Immigrant Rights as Human Rights.
WORLDWIDE REPORTS
Occupy Dame St.
Christy Moore visits Occupy Dame Street and sings Ride On
Thursday, December 15, 2011 - Singer songwriter Christy Moore dropped into Occupy Dame Street in Dublin last night to sing and send grettings to all the Occupy camps in the major cities of Ireland, at Cork, Limerick, Belfast, Waterford, Kerry, Athlone, Galway and the over 2000 Occupy camps world wide. In the video Christy refers to being in the 'Yellow Submarine,' thats the wooden structure built to serve as a kitchen for a camp that is waterproofed with heavy yellow plastic. Christy then sings 'Ride On' before heading off into the night to the applause of the assembled campers.
Occupy Nova Scotia
Rally in Solidarity with (Re)Occupy Wall St!
Saturday, December 17th – This Saturday, Occupy Nova Scotia will stand in solidarity with the 3 month anniversary of the birth of this movement. The group will hold a rally on Saturday, December 17, from 3 pm to 6 pm, on the Grand Parade, the site of our month-long Halifax Occupation.
Occupy Wukan
China’s 99%
It all began with a protest over illegal land sales and rigged elections. According to the investigative Chinese journal Caixin, the local government in Wukan village in southern Guangdong province had earned over 700 million yuan (roughly US$110 million) from selling collectively-owned farmland but it disbursed only 550 yuan (roughly US$86) to each villager. Moreover, the highly unpopular village party secretary and director had rigged the local elections, managing to hold on to power for 40 years as a result. The villagers had been unhappy about the situation for a number of years and have complained by petition since 2009. However, there was no resolution until they finally took to the streets in September. Read more: http://blogs.cfr.org/asia/2011/12/15/occupy-wukan-china%E2%80%99s-99-per...
***********************************************************************************************
ALLIED ACTION
Cooper Tire Workers Expose Sweatshop Conditions at Ohio Factory
12/14/2011 - The workers now fighting wage and benefit cuts at the Cooper Tire factory in Findlay, Ohio are subjected to back-breaking work, in many cases for poverty wages, under a piecework pay system. Read more here: http://wsws.org/articles/2011/dec2011/coop-d14.shtml.
